r/occupationaltherapyUK

Hi, I’m a new Occupational Therapy graduate in the UK looking for a job. I’ve been shortlisted for 5 interviews and 4/5 have had feedback of “you interviewed really well but we have chosen someone with more experience”. How am I supposed to get a job if I can’t get experience😅

What other roles can I search for? Losing hope for getting an OT job so really open to anything! Also interested in law, marketing and research. Any advice on highlighting transferable skills?

My younger sister has been accepted to study OT at University (2 year degree course). She has a background in dental nursing. She’s seen a post on Facebook today from a graduating OT saying that there’s no jobs available for graduates, and the comments underneath are echoing this sentiment.

How much truth is there in this? We want to ensure that she will be likely to get a good role after graduating (Band 5 or equivalent). She’s considering switching to another course such as Podiatry if not.

I am an SLT for context, I see a lot of job adverts for OTs pop up when searching for SLT roles- but most of these appear to be Band 6 or specialist level. We live in North East England.

Thank you!

Hi all, I have recently completed my Bsc and I’m wondering when I can apply for HCPC registration. I graduate in February but I have completed all my assignments and recieved my official online transcript for my grades. Can I apply now or do I need to wait until after I formally graduate next year? Thank you!

For context, I am on a 10 week placement travelling for 4 hours a day commuting by public transport getting the 06:40am train. By the time I’m back home it’s 8pm.

How did you survive a placement where there’s no clear expectation and despite mentioning not feeling supported nothing changes? For example, when I said I’m being supported I’m then told maybe I’m not coping which isnt true. I am coping but the team isn’t good.

Also, the staff are unprofessional and make unprofessional jokes or swear in front of me making me uncomfortable.

There’s no clear guidance on what I should be doing other than patient contact, and my supervision records feedbacks are positive so far so I am very confused to why she made a comment of maybe I’m not coping after i complained that i don’t feel supported. For example, leaving 20 mins so i can get the bus and train on time. Someone who is not part of the immediate team reported to me and her that i shouldn’t be leaving early despite my travels. This made me cry in front of my supervisor but she took their side which made me apologise just in case if i really did something wrong. The main thing was unclear communication around my timings which is now changed. From being flexible to allowing me to start later to telling me to now come early.

Do you have any tips on how to survive my last 7 weeks? Also, I do two days virtually at a different place and I don’t know if I should ask them if I could stay with them instead for the remaining weeks but unsure if that’s going to be a bad look?

We had many issues with the NHS staff, so we asked for a multidisciplinary team where all the different professionals were from the same hospital.

​During the meeting, the hospital stated that they would provide one carer three times a day, district nurses for his catheter care, incontinence support, and basic home equipment, such as a walking frame and toilet rails. We accept the nurse and equipment support, but we formally object to the 1 carer package as unsafe based on clear medical and physical reasons from our understanding. My brother is quite tall and overweight.

Our concerns were:

What actually happens on the ward-

Most of the time on the ward, moving him or taking him to the toilet takes two people. That is either my mum and me helping a nurse, or two nurses working together. A single carer is not enough.

​His medical setbacks changed things-

He fainted on the 8th of August and had a chest infection with IV antibiotics on the 10th of August. Any safety check done before those dates does not show his real strength today.

The physiotherapists and the neurosurgical junior doctor said he has been getting his strength back, and he was able to get up from the bed and get to the toilet with one person a few times, so it showed he can do it at home.

When I spoke to his previous ward staff and people in management, I found out they were writing that it has been one person helping and my brother using his zima frame. But, they didn't write in his records that my mum and I or another healthcare assistant were helping most of the time.

We had some trust issues after finding out they were trying to push us out without even telling how his home care would look like..

Also, my mum has severe low back issues and balance issues so we told them I don't want the carer to ask my mum for any physical movement support.

My brother has moderate autism with a few diagnosed mental health issues.

Just wanted to see if those arrangements are okay or if the ones they provided are less?

Currently a 4th year student, like everyone else I'm quite concerned about the cost of living now and going forward. I'm not in OT to be a rich person or motivated by it, however I'm just curious to know long term once I've gained experience what areas of Occupational Therapy could I could specialise in or progress to, to boost my earning potential.

I have seen so far medico legal and case management seek experienced Occupational Therapists who are knowledgeable in their area of expertise.

Can anyone share with me any common interview questions asked within the adult social care team for the local authority or any topics to brush up on before the interview? Also,how best I can prepare for the interview? Much appreciated

I see a lot if people say its the worst job. My question is why?

I have my own suspicion as to why but it would be nice to hear from people who have actually done it.

So yeah why is it hated so much?

Hi,

My dad is currently in hospital out of area (Royal Stoke hospital, lives in Liverpool) following an accident resulting in broken bones including sternum, ribs, spine.

Therapists on the ward haven’t suggested any equipment for discharge. Physio discharged him two weeks ago and haven’t been back. In that time medical team have changed their minds from
brace to surgery to brace to surgery multiple times. Currently going with brace and home. In that time he has obviously become somewhat de-conditioned.

He mentioned to a random on call Dr that he thinks he will need something like a grab rail
for the bed to push up to get upright (currently in profiling bed with rails, standard bed and mattress at home), possibly a toilet frame, something to raise the sofa or a high backed chair…

He’s been told it will be “problematic” to get equipment because he’s not from Stoke.

Assuming people who end up in hospital in Stoke don’t buy a house and live there just to facilitate discharge…surely it is possible to liaise with local community therapy team/equipment stores and get equipment for discharge?

Also, would it be too much to expect physio to reassess on the stairs before he leaves given that he’s done that once, two weeks ago?

Thanks 🙏

Hi all,

I'm at the end of my tether with OT work. I have worked as an OT for 12 years and LOVE my job (if the politics and hidden extras are ignored), however I feel so under appreciated and burnt out and just need a change. I think I need out of the NHS all together and so wanted to see what other roads people have gone into.

The obvious quick turn around is going into PIP so would love to hear of anyone's experiences in that. Or any other suggestions?

I am sad that it has come to this for me but I am so burnt out and done with the NHS. My poor brain can't even process what else I could do right now. I need a long break and a refresh.

Hello everyone,
I’m preparing to apply for an MSc in OT starting January 2028. This is a career change for me and I’m stepping away from a long career and good salary to go back to study, so I know planning is key.
In your experience, what’s the maximum hours per week you’d allow to do a part time job to support your financial situation during your studies? I’m in Scotland so won’t get the £5000 payment available in the rest of the UK.
I know that part time work will need to stop during placements, but I’m talking outwith the placement periods. Is 10, 15, 20 hours do-able over the course of the non placement weeks?
Thanks!